COFFEY BREAKforHEALTHY ALTERNATIVESa different kind of coffee break with Gerry and Ray CoffeyDisease-Free Living Through Fitness and Nutrition

ADVICEWe began this Advice section as a means of assisting our visitors in
answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a
pro-active part in their own health. We believe that the information contained
herein is true, but are not presenting it as the only solution to a problem. We,
personally, have found that a vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to
share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions,
for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.

Pregnancy and Fasting

OG writes:

I am 7 3/4months pregnant and was recently told by an herbal healer that I needed
to fast on Raw Apple Juice and water for 3 days. She also said that after I get off my
fast to eat just raw foods and nothing else.

Gerry Coffey responds:

Hi, OG: Congratulations on your pregnancy, and I applaud your courage for not
going the conventional medical route which treats pregnancy as a disease and not a natural
and normal part of creation.

Regarding your "herbal healer's" info to fast on Raw Apple Juice: while
fresh fruit juice is better than canned/pastuerized, as a Nutritional Advisor versed in
the methods of Natural Hygiene (Science of Health), we recommend eating fruits in their
whole, natural form because when juiced the sugar is concentrated without the fiber to
dilute and slow down digestion.

Aside from giving a sugar rush to people with high (Diabetes) or low
(Hypoglycemia) blood sugar, this could possibly be what caused the bacterial (Yeast?)
infection mentioned below.

We do however recommend juicing raw, fresh vegetables and in your case would
recommend a combination of half carrot and half green: Romaine Lettuce, Brocolli Stems
(use the flowerettes for salads as they hold little juice, but the stems are an ideal
source of calcium and other vitamins and minerals), as well as cabbage or kale.

OG writes:

I was placed on medicine by my midwives for a bacterial infection the
medicine made me very sick I was not able to eat much because my stomach was in knots, I
was throwing up and had this awful metallic taste in my mouth. I had to take off of work
for a few days too.

Gerry Coffey responds:

While many people are now aware that all drugs/medicines are toxic, what they
don't realize is that ALL medicines were originally derived from herbs. And if
medicine/herbs are NOT good for you when you are well, how can they help when you are
sick?????

A rule of thumb that simplifies life for N. H. advocates is: If you would not
normally make a meal out of a particular item, then it is probably not suitable for
consumption.

Example: Onions, Garlic, or anything that has a strong taste. Condiments and
spices also fit into this category.

The fact that the body rejects it either through vomiting or diarrhea is also a
sign of your body-in its wisdom-- trying to rid itself of a harmful substance.*

OG writes:

I started this fast last night. I feel pretty good. My stomach isn' t as bad as it
was yesterday, as a matter of fact the metallic taste is gone.

Gerry Coffey responds:

Whenever the body is going through some type of "cleansing crisis" such
as you describe, we would advocate complete bed rest (when possible) and lots of distilled
water to keep the body hydrated and help flush out the impurities.

OG writes:

The baby is moving as normal. She lets me know that she's ok. I don't really fear
her being in pain I fasted right before I found out that I was pregnant and she's still
growing just fine.

Gerry Coffey responds:

Fasting for short durations (from 1-3 days, not more) during pregnancy is often
quite a revitalizer. If you have a blood pressure and pulse monitor kit, you will be able
to see for yourself how improved you and your fetus will become just by resting your body
from the taxing ordeal of digestion. (It takes more energy to run a marathon than it does
to digest the average American meal).

OG writes:

I just need a little encouragement from my online family. My husband is eating
(cooked food no less) and I am so close to eating something and I know that I shouldn't.
Has anyone else ever experienced this? Ever had to fast during pregnancy?

Help!

Gerry Coffey responds:

Just think about the beautiful, healthy baby you are growing inside you and that
will probably be enough to help you overcome the temptation to indulge in non- health
promoting food.

Also, whenever hunger pains strike, just drink a large glass of distilled water
and it will greatly diminish the appetite. Another option is eating a fresh carrot. It is
filling and health promoting. And if that doesn't seem apetizing, then you know you're not
REALLY hungry;-)